Agrees the Palatine depot is a problem

I would like to iterate the sentiments expressed by Jimmie H. Protsman concerning the taxi situation at the Palatine train station.

I am disabled and have permanent handicapped license plates. I commute downtown every morning and evening. I dread turning into the parking lot because of the problems I am going to have with taxis blocking the handicapped spaces. I invariably have to beep at them to get into a parking space.

The evening is worse. I often get into my car and put it into reverse, signaling I want to back out. Once in a while, a driver sees me and will move. Often, I have to get out of my car because the taxi drivers in back of me are either asleep, in Starbucks, or sitting inside or standing outside other taxis visiting with friends.

I have called the village and been told it is not a village matter. The police dispatcher told me to call 911 if it happens again. I am uncomfortable with calling an emergency number for this but she said that was the only way a policeman would come.

I did resort to this one evening, but waited 10 minutes and no policeman came. By then, a taxi had pulled out and I was able to leave. The time period I am talking about is 5:30-6 p.m. In the morning, about 7, there are two policemen who park and go into Starbucks on a daily basis. Why can't they find their way 100 feet over to the handicapped spaces and address this situation?

I have called the manager of American Taxi to no avail. They say it is a village matter.

I do not understand why the taxis cannot park on Wood Street. Or, park along the curb closest to the circle with the statue, leaving an open lane for handicapped drivers to enter and exit and for other commuters to be picked up by private cars.

I have done everything I feel I can do. If the village and the police will not address this, perhaps legal remedies will need to be considered.

Mary Minton

Palatine